Noko – Dominant Victory in Seefeld: Riiber Triumphs After Crohn’s Shock

Two days after his surprising announcement of retirement, Jarl Magnus Riiber has once again underlined his status as a Nordic combined superstar. In the freshly snow-covered winter resort of Seefeld, the 27‐year‐old Norwegian – who suffers from Crohn’s disease – delivered a statement victory in the mass start event. With an eight-point gap, he left local favourite Johannes Lamparter in his wake, as Lamparter managed a superb leap to finish in second place.

The German competitors gave a united team performance but could not challenge the podium. Athletes such as Julian Schmid (fifth), Vinzenz Geiger (seventh), Manuel Faißt, and Jonas Rydzek (ninth and tenth respectively) were unable to close the gap.

During the jumping stage, nearly perfect tailwinds forced the jury to interrupt the proceedings on several occasions. Under these wind‐challenged conditions, the athletes nonetheless achieved impressive distances. In addition, other German starters like Wendelin Tannheimer (15th), David Mach (19th) and Terrence Weber (23rd) managed to finish in the top 25.

In a stunning display following his mass start win, Riiber – who shocked the winter sports world with news of his imminent retirement due to a severe chronic bowel disease – reiterated his strength by nearly clinching a sprint victory ahead of compatriots Jens Luras Oftebro and Joergen Graabak. His jubilant celebration at the finish line only added to the dramatic narrative of the day.

The event in Seefeld was the opening contest of the Nordic Combined Triple, held almost exclusively in Seefeld since 2014. Over a three-day period, overall winners are crowned for both men and women. Riiber, who has already secured this title three times, is now just one victory away from equalling the record of his idol and the German national team coach, Eric Frenzel.

Despite his forthcoming retirement, Riiber leads the overall World Cup standings in the current season, proving that his competitive spirit and endurance remain at an elite level even under extraordinary personal challenges.